Eastern Canada Self-Drive Holiday | Toronto, Quebec, Montreal & Niagara Falls

Arrive in Toronto, and transfer to your downtown hotel. Spend your time exploring the city; visit the Eaton Centre or perhaps sampling the fine cuisine and nightlife of Toronto. Make sure to visit the Distillery District, a beautiful, historic area of downtown which is now full of amazing bars and restaurants. Of course, no visit to Toronto would be complete without a trip to the top of the infamous CN Tower and, especially if you are travelling with children, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

Drive north towards Georgian Bay and stop at Penetanguishene, once an Indigenous settlement. Visit Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a living history site that tells the story of early European settlers and Indigenous communities. Take time to explore the Georgian Bay coastline — its famous “30,000 Islands” are best seen on a scenic cruise. Evenings here are quiet and peaceful, the perfect contrast after lively Toronto.

Continue into Ontario’s cottage country and the pristine landscapes of Algonquin Provincial Park. With its shimmering lakes, dense forests and winding trails, this is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Spend your days canoeing across glassy waters, hiking through woodland, or simply relaxing in the peace of nature. Wildlife sightings here often include moose, beavers and loons.

The Huntsville area offers even more variety for active travellers: play a round of golf, enjoy a game of tennis, take a leisurely boat cruise, or even try horseback riding along forested trails. At Lion’s Lookout Park, panoramic views reward those who make the climb, while Muskoka Pioneer Village offers a glimpse of the region’s history.

Evenings in Huntsville are relaxed and welcoming. After a day outdoors, dine in a local restaurant, enjoy a lakeside drink, or simply soak up the serenity beneath a canopy of stars.

Journey east into Quebec, passing through the scenic trails and lookouts of Gatineau Park before arriving in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. This city offers a rich mix of history and culture: tour the Parliament Buildings, stroll along the Rideau Canal, or visit the outstanding Canadian Museum of History.

The lively ByWard Market district is a highlight, filled with cafés, restaurants and artisan shops – a perfect spot for dinner or evening drinks. Ottawa combines cultural depth with a relaxed pace, making it an ideal midpoint between your wilderness escapes.

A short drive brings you into the heart of the Laurentian Mountains and the alpine resort village of Mont Tremblant. This picturesque area is surrounded by pristine lakes and forested slopes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike or cycle in Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec’s oldest, or paddle the calm waters by kayak or canoe.

The village itself has a lively European-style atmosphere, with cobbled streets lined with bistros and boutiques. Evenings can be relaxed yet sociable – enjoy local Québécois fare, browse artisan shops, or sip wine on a terrace overlooking the mountains.

Follow the historic Chemin du Roy, Canada’s first carriageway, past French-Canadian villages and riverside viewpoints before arriving in Quebec City. As North America’s only walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s full of character and charm. Highlights include the Fortifications, Place Royale, the grand Château Frontenac, and the dramatic Montmorency Falls just outside the city.

Quebec is a city to savour. Spend your days wandering cobblestone streets, enjoying café terraces, and soaking up the French-Canadian atmosphere. Evenings are magical; dine in historic Old Quebec, hear live music drifting from bars, or simply stroll the illuminated streets of this romantic city.

Leave Quebec City behind and drive through rolling farmland and forested hills into the wild beauty of the Lanaudière region. Your destination is St. Michel-des-Saints, set by the shores of Reservoir Taureau. This is a peaceful retreat into nature: canoe or kayak across calm waters, try mountain biking, or head out on hiking trails through the surrounding hills.

Evenings here are tranquil, perfect for enjoying the stillness of the forest or sitting by the lake beneath clear, star-filled skies.

Continue south to Montreal, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city where French and English cultures blend. Spend your days exploring its many highlights: the ornate Notre-Dame Basilica, the Olympic Park, the Biodome, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Stroll through Mount Royal Park for sweeping views of the skyline, or wander the cobbled streets of Old Montreal with their cafés and galleries.

Food is at the heart of Montreal’s culture. From local classics like poutine and bagels to world-class fine dining, the city offers endless options. Evenings here are lively: explore rooftop bars, jazz clubs, or festivals that fill the city with music and energy throughout the year.

Drive west into Ontario, stopping in Kingston, a historic lakeside town and gateway to the Thousand Islands. Explore Old Fort Henry, wander heritage streets, or take a leisurely boat cruise among the forested islands and historic cottages scattered across the St. Lawrence River. This is a slower-paced stop, offering a glimpse of Ontario’s colonial past alongside its natural beauty.

Continue along Lake Ontario towards the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders. Stop en route at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming 19th-century village known for its wineries and historic streets.

In Niagara Falls, prepare for a thrilling finale: board the Hornblower Cruise and feel the mist as you sail past the American Falls to the base of the mighty Horseshoe Falls. Beyond the falls themselves, evenings bring new perspectives; watch the cascades illuminated in vibrant colours, enjoy dinner with a view of the water, or take a twilight stroll along the parkway to hear the roar of the falls under the night sky.

Return to Toronto for your final night in Canada. Take a last wander along the waterfront, browse the shops of the Eaton Centre, or enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner in one of the city’s lively neighbourhoods such as the Entertainment District or stylish Yorkville.

The next day, transfer to Toronto International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of forests, lakes, cities and the unforgettable natural wonders of Eastern Canada.